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EASY Keto Cheesy Asparagus (BAKED) 🧀

Cast Iron Keto
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Updated:
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4.75 from 4 votes

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Introducing the Keto Cheesy Asparagus recipe, a flawless low-carb side dish that celebrates the goodness of asparagus. Tender asparagus spears are coated with olive oil, infused with garlic and seasoning, and crowned with perfectly melted mozzarella cheese on top. Get prepared to relish in this cheesy, keto asparagus goodness that promises to gratify your cravings!

Easy Keto Cheesy Asparagus on a grey plate on a wooden charger.
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Preparation and cooking overview

Making the Baked Keto Cheesy Asparagus is a breeze. Arrange the asparagus in a skillet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle garlic, and season to perfection. Bake with mozzarella cheese for 15 minutes, then broil for 5 minutes until golden and bubbly. In just 25 minutes, you'll have a mouthwatering keto side dish ready to be devoured.

Chef's note

Customize our Baked Cheesy Asparagus to suit your taste! For more flavor, add grated Parmesan cheese before broiling. Brighten the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving, and garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an eye-catching presentation.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

For more inspiration check out our Sides recipe.

🧀 Ingredients for this keto cheesy asparagus recipe

Let's make some Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus with the following simple ingredients!

  • 1 pound asparagus spears
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Ingredient substitutions

Don't worry about missing an ingredient! We have a list of substitutions to save the day:

  • Garlic: If you're running low on fresh garlic or prefer a milder flavor, you can easily substitute it with garlic powder.
  • Kosher salt: If you don't have Kosher salt on hand, don't fret! Substitute it with sea salt or pink Himalayan salt.
  • Onion powder: Use freshly chopped onions instead of onion powder, as it offers a similar taste profile.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Some delicious alternatives to mozzarella cheese in this recipe include cheddar, Gouda, and Monterey Jack cheese.

Additional ingredients

Prepare to take your taste buds on a flavor-filled adventure! Here are a couple of keto-friendly optional ingredients that pair wonderfully with the main ingredients:

  • Crispy bacon: Crumble some crispy bacon on top of the cheesy baked asparagus for a salty, smoky goodness.
  • Lemon zest: Add a bright and tangy twist by sprinkling freshly grated lemon zest over the finished dish.
  • Fresh basil: Tear some fragrant basil leaves and scatter them over the baked asparagus to infuse the dish with herbal freshness.
  • Red pepper flakes: If you crave a hint of spiciness, sprinkle red pepper flakes to add a fiery kick that harmonizes beautifully with the tender asparagus.

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto Cheesy Roasted Asparagus recipe, you will need the following kitchen tools:

  • 10.5" cast-iron skillet
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Grater

Tools substitute options

  • Cast-iron skillet: If you don't have a large cast iron skillet, use a regular oven-safe skillet, a baking dish, or even a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
  • Grater: If you're using a block of cheese and don't have a cheese grater, slice or cube the cheese and place it evenly over the asparagus. It will still melt and create a delicious cheesy layer.

How to make Keto Cheesy Asparagus: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Broiling

Preparation steps

  1. Gather all the ingredients.
  2. Measure them in precise quantities.
  3. Wash and trim the ends of the asparagus.
  4. Grate the cheese.

Cooking instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Place the asparagus in a single layer in a large 10.5" cast iron skillet.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and top with garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
  5. Top with cheese and turn the broiler to high.
  6. Broil for 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Serve immediately.

Chef's pro tip

Avoid overcooking the asparagus. Cook until it's tender with a crisp texture and vibrant green color. Use a timer and periodically check doneness with a fork or knife. When it offers slight resistance and remains bright green, it's ready to be topped with cheese and broiled to golden perfection.

What to serve with baked keto cheesy asparagus?

This is a perfect asparagus side dish you can pair with any main course! Here are some keto-friendly options:

  • Broiled salmon: Picture a perfect union of smoky Broiled Salmon and keto asparagus with cheese, teaming up to create a flavor sensation.
  • Chicken steak: Create a keto flavor fiesta by pairing this cheesy green vegetable with juicy Chicken Fried Steak.
  • Pulled-pork: Pair this recipe with succulent pulled pork.
  • Gourmet Filet Mignon: Enjoy this cheesy asparagus with juicy Filet Mignon.

How to make it healthier?

  • Use organic asparagus.
  • Choose low-sodium or no-salt-added versions of ingredients to reduce the sodium content of the recipe.
  • Use reduced-fat or part-skim mozzarella cheese to decrease the saturated fat while enjoying the cheesy indulgence.

Time-saving tips

  • Use pre-shredded cheese: Go for pre-shredded mozzarella cheese to skip the step of grating the cheese yourself. It saves so much time and makes cooking time efficient.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Trim and prep asparagus: Wash, trim, and dry the asparagus spears beforehand. Store them in a zip-top bag or an airtight container with a damp paper towel. This way, when it's time to cook, you can grab the prepped asparagus and proceed without hassle.
  • Shred cheese in advance: If you're using a block of cheese, save time by shredding the mozzarella cheese ahead of time. Store it in a covered container in the refrigerator until needed.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

Store asparagus and cheese leftovers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.

Reheating best practices

  • Microwave: Place the leftovers on a microwave-safe plate, cover them with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes (800 watts, 1000 watts). Adjust the time as needed, ensuring it's heated properly.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil to prevent drying and heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed thoroughly.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

This Keto Cheesy Asparagus recipe is a delicious and nutritious side dish that complements a low-carb lifestyle. The tender asparagus and creamy, cheesy goodness make a satisfying treat that aligns with your ketogenic goals.

In search of other keto side dishes? Take a look at these!

Frequently asked questions

Absolutely! Asparagus is a keto-friendly vegetable due to its low carb and high fiber content. It's a great addition to a keto diet.

Certainly! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses that fit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Cheddar, gouda, or a blend of keto-friendly cheeses can work well as substitutes.

Of course! Don't hesitate to customize the spices to suit your taste buds. Feel free to add or adjust spices to your preference, creating a flavor profile that excites you.

While a cast-iron skillet is recommended for optimal results, you can use any oven-safe skillet or baking dish as an alternative. Just ensure the size is suitable for a single layer of asparagus to cook evenly.

Asparagus is a great low-carb vegetable that works great for any carb-restricted diet. Asparagus has just 1.8g of net carbs per 100g serving.

📖 Recipe

Easy Keto Cheesy Asparagus on a grey plate on a wooden charger.

Easy Keto Cheesy Asparagus

This Easy Keto Cheesy Asparagus is a flavorful side that is ready in under 30 minutes and pairs perfectly with plenty of proteins!
4.75 from 4 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: 30-minute, baked asparagus, cheesy asparagus, side
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 174kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound asparagus spears
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Place the asparagus in a single layer in a large 10.5" cast iron skillet.
  • Drizzle with olive oil and top with garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Transfer to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
  • Top with cheese and turn the broiler to high.
  • Broil for 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Easy Keto Cheesy Asparagus
Amount Per Serving
Calories 174 Calories from Fat 117
% Daily Value*
Fat 13g20%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Cholesterol 22mg7%
Sodium 615mg27%
Potassium 262mg7%
Carbohydrates 6g2%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 9g18%
Vitamin A 1047IU21%
Vitamin C 7mg8%
Calcium 174mg17%
Iron 3mg17%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mrs. Johnson says

    5 stars
    Our family favorite!

    Reply
4.75 from 4 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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